Alysa Liu’s Double Axel Pitch Ignites Excitement for 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis

Alysa Liu © Pinterest

Reigning World Figure Skating Champion Alysa Liu brought her signature flair to Busch Stadium, captivating fans with a double Axel before throwing the ceremonial first pitch at a St. Louis Cardinals game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This dazzling moment, blending figure skating artistry with baseball tradition, was part of a triumphant visit to St. Louis to promote the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, hosted by the St. Louis Sports Commission. Liu’s electrifying appearance not only energized the crowd but also amplified anticipation for the prestigious skating event set to take place in January 2026, a key qualifier for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

A Champion’s Stunning St. Louis Spotlight

Alysa Liu, the 19-year-old phenom who made history as the first U.S. woman to win a world figure skating title since 2006, is no stranger to stealing the show. Her remarkable comeback from a two-year retirement culminated in a gold medal at the 2025 World Championships in Boston, where she landed seven clean triple jumps to dethrone three-time champion Kaori Sakamoto. Fresh off this triumph, Liu’s visit to St. Louis was a masterstroke by the St. Louis Sports Commission to build excitement for the upcoming U.S. Championships, a critical stepping stone for skaters vying for Olympic berths.

At Busch Stadium, Liu merged her skating prowess with the baseball spotlight. Before throwing the first pitch, she executed a flawless double Axel—a two-and-a-half rotation jump—on the field, drawing gasps and cheers from the crowd. The Cardinals’ 5-0 victory over the Pirates added to the festive atmosphere, with fans on X crediting Liu’s “good mojo” for the win. A video of her performance, shared by user @quadsalchuwu, went viral, showcasing her athleticism and charm. This moment underscored Liu’s ability to captivate audiences beyond the rink, making her the perfect ambassador for the 2026 Championships.

St. Louis Sports Commission Fuels the Hype

The St. Louis Sports Commission, known for hosting major sporting events like the PGA Tour’s Ascension Charity Classic and NCAA championships, orchestrated Liu’s visit with precision. Their efforts ensured that her appearance resonated with both sports fans and the skating community, amplifying the buzz for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, scheduled for January 2026 at the Enterprise Center. Posts on X from @STLSportsCom highlighted Liu’s double Axel pitch, framing it as a countdown to the Championships, which will determine the U.S. team for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The Commission’s strategic promotion tapped into St. Louis’s vibrant sports culture, home to the Cardinals, Blues, and a passionate fan base. By bringing a global skating star like Liu to a beloved local stage, they bridged baseball and figure skating, creating a shared excitement that reverberated across the city. The event’s success reflects St. Louis’s growing reputation as a hub for major sporting spectacles, with the 2026 Championships poised to draw thousands of fans, athletes, and media to the Gateway City.

Why the 2026 U.S. Championships Matter

The 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships are more than a national title event—they’re a pivotal qualifier for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, set for February 2026. With Liu leading a resurgent U.S. women’s skating contingent, including standouts like Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito, the Championships will be a high-stakes showcase of talent. Liu’s 2025 World Championship victory, alongside Glenn’s fifth-place finish and Levito’s fourth, marked the strongest U.S. women’s showing at Worlds since 2001, securing three Olympic spots for the U.S.

Liu’s journey adds emotional weight to the event. After retiring at 16 following a sixth-place finish at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and a world bronze, she rediscovered her love for skating during a 2023 ski trip. Her comeback, fueled by joy rather than pressure, led to a season of triumphs, including a silver at the 2025 U.S. Championships and gold at the 2024 CS Golden Spin of Zagreb. Her presence in St. Louis, showcasing the same triple jumps and infectious enthusiasm that won her the world title, signals that the 2026 Championships will be a must-watch event.

The Impact of Liu’s Double Axel Pitch

Liu’s double Axel pitch was more than a stunt—it was a symbol of her resilience and the bright future of U.S. figure skating. Performing a skating move on a baseball field required confidence and creativity, qualities that define Liu’s approach to her sport. Her ability to connect with the Cardinals’ crowd, as evidenced by the standing ovation and social media buzz, mirrors the emotional connection she forged at the 2025 Worlds, where a sold-out TD Garden roared for her free skate to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park.”

The St. Louis Sports Commission leveraged this moment to spotlight the Championships’ economic and cultural impact. The event is expected to generate millions in revenue for local businesses, with hotels, restaurants, and attractions benefiting from an influx of visitors. By featuring Liu, a charismatic Olympian and world champion, the Commission ensured that the Championships are already a topic of conversation, nearly a year out.

Looking Ahead to January 2026

Liu’s St. Louis visit has set the stage for an unforgettable U.S. Figure Skating Championships. As a likely contender for the 2026 Olympic team, her performance in St. Louis will be a focal point, with fans eager to see if she can reclaim the national title she last won in 2020 at age 14. The Enterprise Center, a state-of-the-art arena, will provide a fitting backdrop for a competition that could feature Liu’s signature triple Axel, a jump she’s been refining in practice.

The St. Louis Sports Commission’s collaboration with Liu has already proven a winning formula, with her first pitch generating excitement across sports communities. As one X user noted, “The excitement around this event is very, very real,” a sentiment echoed by the Commission’s strategic promotion. With Liu’s star power and St. Louis’s hospitality, the 2026 Championships promise to be a landmark event, celebrating athletic excellence and the city’s sporting legacy.

Conclusion

Alysa Liu’s double Axel first pitch at Busch Stadium was a dazzling fusion of figure skating and baseball, igniting enthusiasm for the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Thanks to the St. Louis Sports Commission’s visionary promotion, her visit transformed a routine Cardinals game into a celebration of skating’s future. As the countdown to January 2026 continues, Liu’s infectious joy and world-class talent will keep St. Louis buzzing, ensuring the Championships leave a lasting mark on the city and the sport.

By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer